Bookworm Bakery & Café two-year anniversary party May 3

In May 2011, Bookworm Bakery & Café opened its doors at 6685 E. State St., inside the East Branch of the Rockford Public Library. Bookworm Bakery & Café’s goal was to create a community space where people could gather, eat, share and create.

May 3, Bookworm will be hosting its two-year anniversary. This is an all-ages event that takes place from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., and features musicians, artists, authors, comedians, slam poets and knitters throughout the day. Enjoy specials and freebies that will change throughout the day.

The party culminates in a comedic roast of Bookworm Bakery & Café owner Rhiannon Stanuch at 8 p.m. Want to be part of the roast? Pre-register by 7 p.m. to be included in the line-up of roasters. Bookworm does not censor its artists, so keep that in mind for children who may stay for the roast. Seating is limited, and admission is free to the public with any café purchase.

Bookworm Bakery & Café will also be taking donations of non-perishable healthy food items for the Rock River Food Pantry all day and will match the donations pound for pound. Donors will be entered to win a free coffee and cookie every week for a year, a more than $150 value.

Bookworm Bakery & Café continues to strive to give back as much to the community as it has gotten from it. The restaurant hosts several community events, including Rockford’s only certified poetry slam, open mic, comedy open mic, comedy showcases, singer/ songwriter shows, art shows, local author signings, knitting clubs, book clubs, and its staff teaches several free classes for the Rockford Public Library. Bookworm also works very heavily with local charities, including Carpenter’s Place and the Rock River Food Pantry. They have been members of Winnebago Buy Local since their opening.